Our Story

One Community Many Voices is a charitable organization (recognized under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service) founded in 2016. We believe that potentials and dreams have no deadlines. That’s why, with start-up assistance from Reade Brower, OCMV has developed a model to invest in our neighbors. We love sharing our story about how it began, what we do, who we are, and the values that keep us focused.

WHAT IF…

The concept of One Community Many Voices charity work came out of several “WHAT IF” conversations. What if … we could create a means for good acts to be contagious – acts of kindness, generosity and cooperation – across community sectors? What if … instead of worrying about protocols and bureaucratic systems, we streamlined and developed a proactive-preventive vs. crisis-reactive system to help neighbors? What if … we drew from our neighbors’ talents, resources and connections to help fellow neighbors? What if … we involved previous recipients in the process of paying it forward – allowing them to help someone else? After all, we believe that people are given two hands because one is to help themselves and the second is to help others. Combine all this, and you have the makings of OCMV.

“Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you; they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.” –Bernice Johnson Regain

At the inception of OCMV, Reade Brower provided onetime financial lifts to people who needed a small amount of money to get back on their feet. Through trial and error and evidence-based research from Dr. Donna Beagle, Reade and the founding members of OCMV believed that sustained success depends on more than positive words and a onetime financial boost. That’s why we created The Art of Good Fellowship – Paying it Forward One Neighbor at a Time model.

STRUCTURING the RELATIONSHIP

OCMV has developed a model for funding a portion of the OCMV’s philanthropy via a business venture arm. OCMV Promotions LLC exists to generate profit to fund OCMV’s charitable operational expenses. Income comes from sales of co-created products developed with our Maine business partners and various events and excursions. Keeping this company successful is key to allowing OCMV philanthropy to have a steady stream of income.